Refindit tip shop officially opens

Sustainable Christmas gifts are on the cards this year with Townsville City Council partnering with Outlook Australia to open Refindit at the Hervey Range Resource and Recovery Centre from today.

Mayor Nick Dametto said it was terrific to see Outlook bringing life back to the former Hervey Range Tip Shop, after the site sat idle for around two years.

“Both councillors and Council have worked hard to find a suitable operator for the site here at the Hervey Range Resource and Recovery Centre, and I’m so pleased to see the site officially open its doors today,” Cr Dametto said.

“Not only is this now a site that will aim to divert around 500 tonnes of reusable items from landfill over the next year, but it aims to build a creative space that people can come and repurpose items for a bargain.

“I’m keen to see customers start coming through the doors and really show us how much they missed having a space like this.”

Outlook Australia Executive for Social Enterprise, Callum Ross said Refindit would not only divert waste from landfill but create jobs for locals.

“Outlook is thrilled to be working alongside Townsville City Council and the Townsville community to create local jobs and increase the diversion of reusable items from landfill, ultimately saving residents and Council on disposal costs,” Mr Ross said.

“The Townsville community has been amazing, welcoming us with tremendous support and already separating their reusable items from general waste. We look forward to continuing this journey with the community and expanding the site to include a range of new services and activities over the coming months.”

Divisional councillor Paul Jacob said the tip shop opened just in time for the festive season and challenged locals to give a disposed item a second lease on life this festive season.

“I’m putting the challenge out there for Townsville locals to come on down and see if they can tick off some of their Christmas shopping by giving an old item a new life,” Cr Jacob said.

“There is currently more than 2100 items that have been saved from landfill and are searching for a new home, so rather than adding to landfill this Christmas, see what you can find that is pre-loved.”

The Hervey Range Refindit Tip shop by Outlook Australia is open 4 days a week, from Thursday through Sunday, 9am- 4pm.

Locals can donate reusable items in good condition at the transfer station at the Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre.

For more information, visit: Transfer Stations & Landfill - Townsville City Council